Definition

Reasons for Procedure

Gastrectomy is most often done to treat
stomach cancer
.
It is currently the only way to cure stomach cancer. The use of
chemotherapy
and
radiation
after surgery may help improve survival. Even if the cancer is too advanced to be cured, gastrectomy can help to prevent bleeding, obstruction, and pain.

In addition to treating stomach cancer, this surgery may also be done to treat:

Ulcer disease

Bleeding

Inflammation

Benign tumors in the stomach

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:

Damage to nearby organs

Leaking from the new connection between the stomach, intestine, and/or esophagus

Infection

Bleeding

Hernia formation at the incision site

Blood clots

Reaction to anesthesia

Before your procedure, talk to your doctor about ways to manage factors that may increase your risk of complications, such as:

Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to 1 week before the procedure.

Your doctor may recommend:

Eating a special diet

Taking antibiotics

Showering the night before your surgery using antibacterial soap

Arrange to have someone drive you to and from the hospital. Also, arrange for someone to help you at home.

Eat a light meal the night before the surgery. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia
will be used. It will block any pain and keep you asleep through the surgery. It is given through an IV in your hand or arm.

Description of the Procedure

An incision will be made in your abdomen. Next, surgical instruments will be used to remove all or part of your stomach. If only part of your stomach is removed, it is called partial gastrectomy. With this type of surgery, the remaining part of your stomach will be connected to your esophagus and small intestine.
If this is done for ulcer disease, the nerves that control acid production may also be cut. If all of your stomach is removed, it is called total gastrectomy. A new stomach will be made using your intestinal tissue. The end of your esophagus will be attached to your small intestine.

If you have stomach cancer, the lymph nodes will be removed and examined as well. This is because cancer can spread through your lymphatic system.

After the surgery is complete, the muscles and skin of the abdomen will be closed with stitches or staples. A dressing will be applied.

How Long Will It Take?

1-3 hours or longer

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.

Average Hospital Stay

This surgery is done in a hospital setting. The usual length of stay is 6-12 days. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications arise.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

Your doctor will give you guidelines on:

When and what you can eat

How you need to restrict your activity

During the first few days after surgery, you may be restricted from eating. As your stomach stretches during recovery, you will be able to eat more at a time.
If you had a total gastrectomy, you will need to eat smaller amounts of foods more often.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.